I've been going to nail first for years and I've never been disappointed. I usually don't ask for anything complex - solid colors, to keep it simple. today I thought I would try asking for a simple design since one of the nail techs there mentioned that she does designs for people all the time. I was with a different nail tech today, and I showed her the picture - just a simple French tip, sparkly, with a little gold bow painted on the end. I told her I knew my nails were shorter than the picture, and if she thought they were too small to do this design, then don't worry about it and I'll just pick a color. but she said it should be fine. I told her I liked the colors in the picture - sparkly white for the tip, gold for the bow. I kept the picture out on the table for her the whole time so she could see. when she got to the French tip part, she started painting them GOLD instead of the sparkly white. I thought maybe I was just not seeing the vision? maybe she was going to paint over? but nope, just straight gold. which I was resigned to just accept - it wasn't that bad, just a little gaudier than what I wanted. then she gets to the bow. she asks what color. I said "well the picture has it in gold, but since you did the French tip part gold, I don't really know what color you think would work. maybe red?" and she said "no, the tips are gold, the bow can be black with gold painted over it." I was so confused as to whether we were even looking at the same picture, but i didnt want to be disrespectful and I know this is her whole job and she knows way more about it than I do, so I didn't want to correct her. she painted the bow on HUGE, covering the whole nail, in solid black. then she painted over it in red. then in gold. then in silver?? and I just did not know what to say or do. I paid $70 for these. I know im such a pushover at this point but im just so disappointed. I don't come and do this often because its pricey and this looks absolutely nothing like the picture. Im not seeing a place to add a picture for the review as im typing this, but if I can find a way to do it I will. I think now I know that nail first is not the place to go if you have a specific design you like even if it's simple, or if you want to have more of a say in what your nails look like. If you want to pick a color and let the nail tech take the reins, this is the place to go. read more

Nails First - What I got. - Nail Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

I have been there many times. usually really like the staff and people... but it has gotten really dirty and I have gotten 2 nasty nail infections from here. They used to take pride in speaking English as well. I cant help but feel talked about. We really liked Kris she was amazing! But it has gotten so dirty and nothing is sanitized anymore, but they insist you wash your hands.. The ends for the Dremel tools are always dirty, never sanitized or new. It is awful filthy. Wishing y'all the very best but we have to move on. Hope this helps someone else. Look around so you don't get what I got. Very painful and gross. read more

I had a younger female technician on my most frequent visit. I asked for a pedicure and for my old fingernail set to be taken off. The pedicure was nice but she ended up completely butchering my nails. I had strange dents in my fingernails for weeks and she cut me multiple times with her tools. She simply said "oops" and moved on without apologizing. On top of that, I felt as if she seemed impatient(?) the entire experience and was sarcastic at times. I probably won't be back here for a while. read more

Went here after work to get a mani + Pedi.. on Friday. I paid a total on $60 with tip for them to be already chipping the next day. Granted it was regular polish and not gel.. but they still shouldn't be chipping that easily. I will never be going back here. I do NOT recommend this place. read more

Nails First - Nail Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

This place does an excellent job at doing short gel nails. Very patient. I've went to other places recently and left disappointed. This place did the best job with great attention to detail. I got a mani pedi. The pedi was okay. I came here because I have two other friends who come here on the regular and their nails always look very good. Most of the workers tend to speak very good English. The picture posted is of nails done 5 days ago. Holding up well! read more

Nails First - Nail Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Been going here for a couple years now. So far I've never left with my feelings, or my fingers, hurt. Thank you Kim for being gentle and thorough. read more

Nails First - Thankful - Nail Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Let me start off my saying this: I am VERY meticulous about my nails. I used to be superrrrr into painting my nails (acrylics, stamps, free hand designs, etc I even had swatches lol) so that makes me super nit picky, bc why should I pay for something unless it's as good or better than what I can do myself?? I decided to go to Nails First bc my usual salon (Tami- they're great love them) told me they couldn't do what I wanted, dip powder over tips(I don't actually know that this is true I think I might have confused them) & the salon I tried prior (bellagio) butchered my nails (it was terrible, 3 nails broke and my real nails were flimsy as hell and all broke too) So I was super wary of trying somewhere new and potentially wasting my money, but this place came recommended to me by my roommates co-worker who specifically recommended Tiffany. Tiffany was fantastic! She was super kind, friendly, and super detail oriented which I absolutely loved. When taking off my old dip powder, she was super gentle (some techs are ridiculously rough on my nails which I despise) and would check in a couple times to make sure nothing hurt. She was very friendly and wanted to make sure my nails were exactly how I wanted. When shaping, she would have me approve every single nail on the shape and even after several of my nit picky inputs (a little more pointy, oh not that pointy, a little narrower, etc) she wasn't annoyed at all and super receptive which I was very grateful for. She even added a second color of dip over the first because the color I chose was more pink than I expected. Overall an extremely talented, meticulous, receptive, and warm nail tech which is 100% what I was looking for. I would say there are only two downsides: 1) they charge 5$ extra to shape your nails which I personally think is BS lol. (What would they look like if you didn't pay for that????) I don't care too much though. It was 50$ total (extra 5$ for tip, extra 5$ for shape) which is maybe a little high, but around what I expected (I was thinking $45). So this isn't really a huge negative just something to keep in mind. 2) you can see in the second pic that there's still some dip stuck in my cuticles. She did go over the area with the drill thing tho and I honestly didn't notice it when I was there (I'm sure she would have fixed it) so that's kinda my bad but I wish she would have noticed it. All in all I was VERY satisfied. The only two negatives were just me being a lil picky. But Tiffany was great I absolutely recommend her. I will likely be going back!!! read more

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This is my new favorite nail place in Gainesville... Tiffany is the absolute best and so sweet! She was so gentle and meticulous and always made sure that I liked the length/shape/etc. I would definitely recommend her to anyone when going to nails first. What I got: OPI dip powder in color Lisbon wants moor (#11 I think?) the color is so beautiful! *this picture is over a week after getting them done! read more

Nails First - OPI dip #11 ask for Tiffany! - Nail Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Just walked in to get a pedicure and walked out after 5 min of the pedicure starting. Left with bleeding from both sides of my big toe. I have never ever had someone make my toes bleed. Then the nail tech attempted to put some solution on it with the direct nozzle touching my toe. When asked what are you putting on my toe, no answer at all. And all I get is a sorry from the manger! This place has really gone downhill. I would NOT recommend this place at all. I hope my toe doesn't get infected now. read more

Nails First - Oaks mall - next to Belk - Nail Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Went and got a pedicure here on Sunday and did not have to many issues with this place. It is located in the mall and it is your typical nail salon. I went in around 4:30 and only had to wait about 10 minutes after signing in. The biggest complaint is that this place is very out of date. It feels like you are walking into the 90's here. They could do some redecorating and it would make this place feel modern and hip! I enjoyed the pedicure. The person who did the pedicure did not talk to me at all. She just would tap the foot in which she wanted to work. I was kinda okay with it, but it would have been nice to make simple chit chat. It was $25 for the pedicure. She did a nice job and massages my feet and legs really well with lotion. I had a good time overall! read more

Ken did a great job on my gel acrylic nails, done in 45 minutes and they look great. For the gel, acrylic nails and shape totaled $40 which isn't too bad. They also had a lot of colors to choose from! The service was okay, he was not particularly friendly although I made a couple comments to try to start conversation. He also had to keep answering the phone during my manicure, probably around 8 times or so. If it's that busy I feel as though they should hire someone to solely manage check out and phones. Can't complain, though, my nails came out great. read more

Nails First - Nail Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Had a hard time find a good nail place that lived up to my standard from back home in Miami but I have hit the jack pot here! Staff is always to nice and willing to get you in a chair as fast as possible! Olivia (receptionist) is so sweet and is always joking with the staff. Gwen and Diane are the best I always try my best to call ahead or make an appointment because they always leave me walking out with beautiful and have the best advise one what is best for me and how to keep up with my nail care. Was there the other day during one of the World Cup games and it was honestly such a homey and family environment! 10/10 I highly recommend (ps get the SMS does amazing things for your nail strength and growth!!). I will never go anywhere else is Gainesville! Thank you nail first for my beautiful nails. read more

Nails First - Nail Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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The nail tech I had today was awesome. She did pink/white full set, coffin shape, and it turned out fantastic. She was very precise in the way she did things and it was very affordable. Thanks for the great service! read more

Nails First - Coffin shaped pink and whites! Great work. - Nail Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Gwen was amazing!! She did a wonderful job. Bobcat not so much... my nails ended up looking like pig hoofs and she made fun of my nail beds... she made me feel Insecure, and didn't pay any attention to detail. Definitely going back to see Gwen not bobcat. read more

Had a wonderful experience at this salon! Made an appointment so I didn't have to wait more than 5 minutes. Extremely personable staff and my nail tech was very detailed and made sure I was loving what I was getting done. Will definitely be coming back! read more

Nails First - Amazing dip/powder done at this salon. Can't stop looking at my nails. - Nail Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

I came to this salon after work one day to get gel paint on my nails. (I didn't have time for the manicure, so I just wanted the polish) I waited around 20 minutes to be helped, which was fine but throughout getting my nails done, my technician left me a few times.. this also would have been fine if I hadn't already told her I was in a rush. The end result looked pretty but after getting gel polish for years, I can almost guarantee that gel is not what I received. After only one day, two of my nails have chipped and a few of them are already peeling up... at past salons I have never had gel chip or even peel up until WEEKS afterwards. If you go here, I do not recommend getting gel, as it is a rip off. read more

They got me in quick but the color on the samples didn't match the color ok my nails (more than three shades lighter) AND THE GEL TURNED GREEN!! My nails colors are now green read more

Nails First - Nail Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Nails came out fine. you have basically get switched between nail techs three times and be on the lookout for mistakes for them to turn out well, because if you keep your mouth shut they WILL eff u over, and if you say something they will start yelling to their coworkers and switch the person doing your nails YET again. just a stressful environment and they don't take your cuticle off and manicure unless you tell them at the beginning and pay like ten extra dollars. just go to a normal nail tech or another nail salon read more

I went in here to get a gel manicure while I had my son in his stroller. They sat me at the back of the store and pulled out a chair so my stroller could fit. The lady who did my nails was very nice and paid attention to how I wanted my nails shaped and colored. I was very happy with how my nails came out when I left, but a day later, the gel started peeling. I called and asked what could be done as I had gotten them done the night before, and I would essentially have to pay for another gel manicure itself. I got gel hoping it would last a while. Super disappointed in the not so long lasting job that was done read more

When in doubt, get a pedicure. Reese was so right in Legally Blonde, "What always makes us feel better, no matter what? A Mani/Pedi of course." If you are in dire need of a pedi or just need to walk away from the stresses of life, Nail 1st could be your place. At least it was mine on this overnight visit to Gainesville. It was everything I expected and wanted when I walked in. No wait, lots of color choices and a very sweet pedicurist who really urged me to get designs on my toes. It was nothing fancy, 10+ massage chairs lined up all filled with women and children getting their nails done. It isn't a sanctuary of quiet or peace, but they really get the job done and fast. read more

IF I COULD GIVE THIS PLACE 0 STARS I WOULD. first of all they're all super rude. not even a smile or hello when you walk in. WTF kind of customer service is that?! second of all i went in to take off my acrylics the professional way and she got annoyed I didn't want her to just rip it off with a piece of plastic??? why would i spend $10 on that when I could ruin my nails at HOME for FREE??? AND I asked her if she could file them in a square shape and she started complaining and saying it'd cost more money. If you're looking for a nail place to go to I suggest Classy Nails and ask for Tung. read more

Nails First - $10 for these shitty nails!!! what a bargain!!! (also they're yellow bc red nail polish stained them) (lol) - Nail Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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I went here a couple weeks ago with my mother and the place was nice and clean but the service was horrible. i had a young nail tech who's name started with an H. i'm not sure what was wrong but she was very rude and on top of that she was distracted and my nails were so ugly i cried when i left. it was my mother's birthday so at least she liked her nails which were done by an older woman. i used to love this place but bc of this employee i will not be coming back, please teach employees about customer service ! read more

Went here after stopping at Belk in the mall. I got a mani/pedi and it still looks good! I'm not sure of the name of the young man that helped me, but he was very professional. No wait time and great service! The lady next to me did have a fit with the tech that was working on her pedi...and a manager had to get involved. It might be important who you get here. Also, I loved my massaging chair! Give it a try. I would go back and see the same guy for sure! read more

Went to get my nails (acrylic overlay) removed ($10), no problem. I sit down and instead of letting them soak she uses a false plastic nail tip to peel every nail off oh yea, she peeled off the longer tips of 4of them and said sorry after i told her my nails were long underneath after the first nailit gets better, when I told her one nail was broken she over to put glue on it for it to stay... and then offered to place a clear coat on my already ruined nails for no charge...offer DECLINED. PAYED and left and never going back would never recommend. Take you time, money, and nails else where read more

Nails First - Nail Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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I came in for first time and they weren't very friendly. If waited 10-15 min and then I got up and went to another place in the mall where I was treated fast and kindly. I only wanted to get my eyebrows waxed here but they only had one person who was taking a really long time. I noticed the place feels cramped and the waiting area is in the entrance which is kind of weird. I recommend finding another place to get pampered up. read more

Ehh. Nails 1st was very quick and they were friendly! However, my pedicure wasn't done very well and the lacquer surprisingly chipped within one day. This has never happened before! Usually my pedis last 2 weeks at the bare minimum. I was rather disappointed. I will try a different salon next time. read more

Very upset with the service. The nail tech had no desire to be there. I got a classic pedi, and it was the worst one I have ever had. The tech rushed through the process, and ruined my nail shape. I asked her to fix my toes multiple times, and didn't really do anything to make them better. read more

Friendly and fast. However, my mani/pedi looks like I did it myself. You can see where the second coat begins and ends. Also it hasn't even been 4 hours and it's chipping!! Will not be back... read more

Nails First - Yeah... - Nail Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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I have nothing but good things to say about this place. I come here only. I love their setting and service. I can't really complain.

Fraud Alert. Within 15 minutes of paying for services with a credit card the card was used twice by an unknown user. The only connection to the fraud charges was the use at this business. Called management to discuss issuethey have failed to return call. I have since tried to call and when I ask for the owner the person who answers the phone hangs up. read more

Great service, Gwen is the best nail technician I've ever have! Very detail oriented and works very profesional!!

This nail salon sucks!!! Ask me I will answer all questions!!! I have been going to this salon for about a year now. One reason I continued going was due to the fact that they could ALWAYS get you in for any appointment that you wanted. It's a hit and miss when it comes to the service. Today was a MISS!! I came in about 10:15am to get a gel polish change. I was seated rather quickly and was told to look at the different nail colors. Then out of nowhere a nail technician came and said you have to get up I have an appointment. And told me to sit at a different table. As I was sitting at The new nail technician table she proceeded to wrap my nails with foil and not say anything to me. I asked her what color she thought I should get she said I don't know whatever you want to get. After wrapping my nails she left she went and proceeded to do a pedicure. I sat there for 20 minutes in the foil proceeded to come off . Another technician ran over and yelled "no no keep that on." I sit there for an additional 10 minutes and then a new nail technician came and stated that she will continue doing my nails. So I set there my nails wrapped for about 40 minutes and no nail technician. I probably will not come back to the salon due to how rude they were. Every time I come there a little rude but you always find that one nail technician that puts a smile on your face, but today that did not happen! While getting my nails done I pointed out to the nail tech that one of my nails were really thick with the nail polish she put on, she then WIPED IT OFF WITH HER FINGER and painted over ol bulky nail polish! I will not be back!! Don't worry!! read more

I guess being a loyal customer carries no weight nowadays. On Friday we call to make an appointment on Sunday with Diane we were told they don't make appointments for Sundays. So on Sunday morning myself and my daughter got up and went to the mall got there at 10:45 and got into the mall went to the nail salon and come to find out they don't open until 12 used to be 11 so we waited and when the salon opened My daughter went to sign us in and told Ken that my mom is here for Diane and I will do mine with Holly like we always do, can dance and she will have to wait for Diane because she has a 12 o'clock appointment coming in. I'd then ask Ken what do you mean an appointment we called on Friday to get an appointment and we were told no appointments on Sunday he then said oh she came in yesterday to make the appointment and we don't do appointments over the phone. That absolutely makes no sense especially when you've been going to that salon for five years their professionalism is horrible and then my daughter said she wanted her pedicure and her gel nails done the lady did her nails wrote up her ticket and sent her on her way read more

This is the only salon in Gainesville right now that I trust. Very quick but thorough with their artificial nails, and their soak off & removal process is delicate with minimal damage to the natural nail. They balance their fill-ins well and I've never had breakage from their nails - the first time I had a fill-in from a different salon, three broke because they had them so thin and unbalanced. P.S., Tammy is my favorite technician! Such a sweetheart. read more

Nails First - Nail Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Worst manager/owner who's deceptive and unprofessional. His name is Ken. I had extremely bad experience there- my tech was telling her colleague how much she hated her job there the whole time she was doing my nails. Of course she did a terrible job. I talked with the manager/owner Ken when the nails were "done", and he asked me to pay first then he would fix my nails. Ken gave me a business card with his name on it and asked me to make an appointment with him for a "free" fix. I called and made the appointment. After I made all the way to the mall just for the appointment and a second chance to this business, Ken told me he would give me 20% off for the fix. I'm never going back there to waste my time and money. You shouldn't either. read more

I liked my nails at the end and the women who did them was friendly but she also damaged 3 of my fingers from filing too hard and I had to go home and soak my hands in Neosporin to make the pain go away. Overall wasn't the best experience. read more

I was getting married and showed Diane a picture from Pinterest. I had never had acrylics done so I was a little nervous about it. Knowing that Pinterest pictures are rarely ever achievable, I just wanted something similar. She exceeded my expectations and made them PERFECT! She was so nice and made sure the shape and ombre was exactly how I wanted it. Go see Diane! You won't regret it. I now have Pinterest worthy nails! read more

If I could give a lower rating I would. I have been a loyal customer for about 15 years and lately they have been so busy I've needed to make appointments for myself, my mother, and my two girls. Which I make. One would think they would want to keep us as customers but you would be wrong. Because I've been a loyal customer , they keep me waiting at least 45 minutes to an hour and a half every single time. I'm done. No more chances. The owner KEN is the worst. He has many "family emergencies " that make him late. If by chance he's already there and I'm early (10-15 minutes) he will accept a walk in before the appointment read more

If I could give this zero stars I would. DO NOT waste your money. First off, their "pedicure" involves getting your nails painted and lotion PUT, not even rubbed, on. No massage. No rubbing. Nothing. Oh and they threw a hot towel on for good measure. How sweet. The manicure consisted of having my arms touched, sometimes patted, and some nail polish. Worthless. THEN to add insult to injury, literally, my nail tech started talking crap about me when I asked her to please massage me harder. My friends nail tech couldn't continue her job as she was laughing so hard. If you absolutely have the desire to waste money, make sure Holly is NOT your tech or you will disputing your credit card statement as I am. read more

A nail place with a terrible color selection and technicians who are inattentive and speaking to one another in another language the entire time. RUN from this place. Let your nails grow wild before you lower your standards, ladies. read more